The Edwardian era, spanning the reign of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910, marked a significant shift in fashion. Departing from the rigid Victorian aesthetic, Edwardian clothing embraced a more relaxed and innovative approach. This period witnessed the rise of the iconic “S-bend” silhouette, elaborate hats, and the emergence of looser, more comfortable styles. Let’s delve into the key elements that defined Fashion Edwardian.
The Evolution of the Edwardian Silhouette
The hallmark of fashion Edwardian was the dramatic “S-bend” silhouette. Achieved through a new corset design, this shape emphasized a full, pouter pigeon bust, a cinched waist, and a dramatically curved back leading into a flowing skirt. This silhouette was a stark contrast to the bell-shaped figure popular in the Victorian era.
The Bloused Bodice: A Morning Staple
Edwardian mornings saw women embracing the bloused bodice. This loose-fitting top, often in white or cream cotton, flannel, or silk, featured high collars, lace inserts, intricate pin-tucking, and voluminous sleeves. The closures, often consisting of numerous hooks or buttons down the back, hinted at the prevalence of ladies’ maids and household staff.
The Tailored Skirt: Completing the Daytime Look
Paired with the bloused bodice was the tailored skirt. These narrow skirts, typically made of wool, fastened below the bust and flowed to the ankles in a wide, circular hem. This combination offered a comfortable yet stylish ensemble for daytime activities.
Edwardian Millinery: Hats as Statement Pieces
Hats were essential accessories in fashion Edwardian, often reaching extravagant proportions. The Merry Widow hat, introduced in 1907, exemplified this trend with its wide, dramatic brim and elaborate embellishments. These hats served as status symbols, reflecting a woman’s fashion sensibilities and social standing.
The Rise and Fall of the Hobble Skirt
Towards the end of the Edwardian era, the hobble skirt emerged. This tightly fitted skirt, narrow at the ankles, restricted movement and epitomized the “fashion over function” ethos. While briefly popular, its impracticality led to its decline by 1913.
Evening Elegance: The Tea Gown and Lampshade Tunic
Evenings in the Edwardian era called for a change of attire. The tea gown, a loose-fitting, comfortable dress made of soft fabrics and adorned with lace, offered a welcome respite after a day of constricting clothing. This style often dispensed with the corset, foreshadowing the more relaxed fashions to come.
For more formal occasions, the lampshade tunic, popularized by designer Paul Poiret, made its debut. This hip-length tunic, often worn over a narrow skirt or harem pants, showcased Poiret’s Orientalist influences and further contributed to the decline of the corset.
The Legacy of Fashion Edwardian
Fashion Edwardian was a period of transformation, bridging the gap between the restrictive Victorian era and the more liberated styles of the 20th century. The “S-bend” silhouette, extravagant hats, and the movement towards looser, more comfortable clothing defined this era, leaving a lasting impact on fashion history. The Edwardian period serves as a reminder that fashion is constantly evolving, reflecting societal changes and individual expression.
